Makeup My Mind : Beauté Emporium

I don't usually do makeup.  Mostly because I am not very good at it.  However, I do love lip products. Lipsticks, lip tints, chapsticks, lip gloss ... the list goes on. 

This may be unpopular opinion, but I have always preferred lip stains to any other lip product. I can't explain why in detail.  They just feel better to me. Maybe it is because a lot of it is organic which is great for a person like me with very sensitive skin and allergic to everything.

However, they are not without problems which I will explain later when I begin my review.

Beauté Emporium is a newly-opened brand, being only a few months old. The brand was launched by a group of friends that love makeup and one being quite good with Chemistry.  I can't imagine the amount of work these girls had to do to make this possible. Despite being a baby in the makeup scene, they are getting good reviews and garnering attention, because it actually works.

I don't usually review makeup on this blog, mostly because that is not my line of expertise, but I truly believe in this brand as a consumer.

They have a variety of shades, but I will review only the ones I have now, Alaina and Pretty in Peach. 

Beyond the Trailer: Beauty and the Beast (2017)

Disney's Beauty and the Beast (2017)

If you read my Cinderella review, I grew up watching Disney movies and had been one of those little girls who lived on fairy tales.  I still do in a way.

There had been two Disney movies in my childhood I would say really shaped me.  One is the Little Mermaid (1988), which I will probably talk about in more detail when the live action drops.  The other was Beauty and the Beast (1991).

Belle was particularly special to me in my later teens as it was the time when I really began noticing how different I was.  Instead of going out with other people my age, I preferred to stay in the library during recess and after school before the school bus took us home.

Belle is very important to me for more than just her beauty, she helped me remember that being the way I am is alright.  My love for books, my pursuit of cleverness and wit and simply being different.  That is why out of all the adaptations Disney has done lately, I knew I would be especially passionate about this one.  

Seriously Cute: PINK CRES. in Manila (09.09.2017)

This is an incredibly late post, but with the new direction my blog is going I thought it would be an appropriate start. 

On September 9th 2017, PINK CRES. came to the Philippines for the ASEAN-Japan Television Festival at Trinoma Mall.  

It is a three-piece group led by Miyabi is a former member of the now defunct group, Berryz Koubou which was one of the biggest groups of Hello!Project at that time.  

Being a fan of the group, of course I could not hold back my excitement to see the group perform in person.  An opportunity like this is rare, and quite possibly once in a lifetime considering the short lifespan of many of my favorite groups from Japan. 

Seriously Cute: MNL48 ... Finally!

Finally, it has been done.

It has been more or less two years since I first made my first post on the group.  To be honest, I have no idea how I feel about this now.  The group has been plagued with more controversies than I care to remember from the time the auditions first started.

Some easy to let go, others not.  However, I find that it is more of the management's fault that the girls themselves.

Am I the only one bothered that the final uniforms look nothing like the winning piece made in the competition?  These are cute as well, but it must be disappointing to the winner who was probably expecting to see the girls wear it.  I hope they at least use it for a future video.

Another thing that bothers me is what they said about indie groups.  They basically said that groups outside the 48G or indie/alternative groups are "Class A" or fake groups.  This was after the establishment of a handful of indie idol groups which have a boatload of potential.  As a big fan of indie groups and groups outside of the 48G, my first thought was that the management had no idea what they were saying or doing.  I might not be as knowledgeable as many people, but I know an insult when I see one and this was quite unnecessary.

I can't fault some of the girls who probably didn't understand what they were getting themselves into.  Anyway, I am still happy for those who made it though.

For now, I would like to talk about the girls themselves ... or at least a few of the stand-outs for the management ... and for myself.

Seriously Cute: MNL48 From Top 200 to Top 75 (01.27.2018)

MNL48 Top 200 Reveal
01.20.2018

Two years ago, I wrote an entry about my worries for this group.  However, it seems I was worried about the wrong things. 

I won't lie, there has been a lot of negativity going on in the MNL48 "Fandom".  With allegations of cheating (i.e. Boyfriend in MNL48 staff, vote-buying, like-for-like), allegations of management's manipulation of votes, and rule-breaking (i.e. Love Ban in particular), the group hasn't even debuted yet and the controversies are piling up.    

It doesn't help that some "fans" of the group have resorted to bullying by making fun of contestants' appearances, English and inexperience.   I have no desire at all to contribute to that.  I think there is enough of that in Facebook.    

That is why this post will focus on potential because there are girls that got in that I have my eye on and are why I can't say I completely give up on the group.  

Of course, they have a long way to go with so many of them unable to dance or understand teamwork as  many seem to be trying to out-do each other.  With so many girls, I can't really blame them.  However, it hasn't escaped my notice that their first performance was only the beginning, which is probably why I am going to try to be less critical.  I will talk about my favourites among the Top 200 but I also talk about who among my picks made it to the Top 75.

This is a list of my personal choices, if you have an Oshi I didn't include here I encourage you to make up your own list because these girls need all the love and support they can get in these grueling auditions.  

Beyond the Trailer: La La Land (2016)

La La Land Poster (2017)

In honour of Valentines being just around the corner, I decided to blog about the first romance movie I have seen for the year 2017.

The moment I saw the trailer, I knew this was something I couldn't miss as I am a fan of old Fred Astaire movies.  This movie didn't at all disappoint.   

For those unfamiliar with Fred Astaire, you can start by watching "The Band Wagon" or if you are an Audrey Hepburn fan, you can watch "Funny Face." While not an Astaire film, I also recommend Gene Kelly's "Singing in the Rain."

Writing this review will probably just parrot what a lot of people have already said about it, but I can't help but want to pursue it anyway to show my appreciation for the writing and work done.

Before going to the theatre, I basically already knew what to expect.  I knew there would be singing and random dancing  but with a story that made those old movies survive the test of time.

After watching it, it is probably safe to say that this is probably one of the best romance movies that I have seen in a very long while.  It was lighthearted at the right time but it also knew when to take itself seriously.

Beyond the Trailer: Through the Looking Glass (2016)

Alice in Through the Looking Glass (2016)

Disney is really taking advantage of the success of most of their live action movies.

While I admit that I wasn't the biggest fan of Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland, I would be lying if I said I hadn't been looking forward to this movie since they first announced it.

How could I miss watching anything resembling one of my all-time favorite stories? Even now, I still call the times I seem to daydream and disappear inside my head "My Wonderland."

Alice in Wonderland had always been a part of my childhood. Much like how the animated Cinderella influenced me as a child, Alice had done the same and probably in some ways maybe even more.

I knew it would be ridiculous to expect a faithful adaptation. It would be ridiculous to expect that, but I wanted something that I would at least enjoy. I didn't hate the first movie though and I don't think it was a bad movie, but it was not without flaws. The world building not being my type was probably another contributing factor of this.

Another reason for my curiosity of this film is the change of directors. Tim Burton didn't return to direct this movie. Instead, it is being directed by James Bobin. I haven't seen any of his other works, so I honestly didn't know what changes to expect but I was certainly expecting it.

Between the Pages: School of Good and Evil #2 by Soman Chainani

The School for Good and Evil:
A World Without Princes

After reading the first book, I felt obligated at first to read the second book of this series. It became less of an obligation the deeper I got into the story.

As usual, the art is beautiful. Not surprising since it was done by Iacopo Bruno, the same artist from the first book. The plot is also a lot more thrilling for me than the last book. In this book, Chainani is really tearing down the stereotypes.

This book, I think is not only a satire of fairy tales but also the feminism that takes things to the extremes. I never thought it would be something tackled in a book about fairy tales.

While I consider myself a feminist, I do understand that there are some that takes it to the extreme.

I still like pretty dresses, make up and high heels but most people believe that being a feminist is about doing without embracing one's femininity. I believe feminism is about being free to express themselves however they want whether it is in their masculinity or femininity. It is about equality and believing we can be heroes ourselves.

I love this book because it somehow managed to give a silhouette of real life issues without being obvious and deviating from the story. It made made things relatable to females and interesting to guys. I have a younger brother who enjoyed this series about as much as I do.

Seriously Cute: MNL48 Fan Meet (05.29.2016)

AKB announcement of sister group, MNL48
 last 26 March 2016

This project had been first announced a few years ago. It has been so long though that I thought they would scrap the project. Imagine my surprise when they officially announced the formation of BNK48, TPE48 and MNL48 in an AKB48 concert.

I was shocked and ecstatic.

It was finally happening, I could finally watch idols perform up close. That is why when there was a raffle for a fan meet to happen, I was extremely happy but at the same time confused, since as far as I knew there weren't any members yet.

Between the Pages: Keep on Believing by Marie Higgins

"Have you ever wondered what would have happened to Cinderella if she had ran away from her evil stepmother before meeting the Fairy Godmother and before the prince’s ball? Well… In this story, you’ll find out what might have happened. "

Book Summary

Taking some of the family’s jewels, Ella Spencer and her brother left the kingdom in the dead of night, escaping the clutches of their evil stepmother. Ella realized they need a different life than one of a servant. Now living in a new kingdom, Ella believes this is where they can start over again. So far, it’s working…until her brother’s school teacher starts poking his nose into their business. She cannot tell him the truth, yet deep down inside, she feels that he might be her Prince Charming after all, and be the one who’ll save her from danger.

Christopher Morgan is hiding secrets that he never plans to divulge. The sister of one of his students intrigues him, and he can’t keep from wanting to know more about her. When a man comes around asking questions, Chris fears Ella is not safe and he needs to protect her. But he finds that he is the one in need of a dream-come-true. Can he hope that Ella will be the one to rescue him out of his life before these secrets destroy him?

Sharing a Sweet Sound: Leave A Message by 4TE

"Leave a Message" w/ Chii, Jenni, Micchi and Mei

"Please leave a message after the tone."

What message is there left to say without repeating what others have said before? I might just be sounding repetitive but it has to be said.

.... These girls are amazing!

Their debut, MORE/Ippo Zutsu released early 2015 had made an impression on both fans and critics alike. Fans thought it was brilliant and they even had critics saying that there was something there.

They didn't disappoint. These girls took everything that everyone was saying about their last release and just knocked this one out of the park.

Since the first hints of their next video appeared on their social media, I admit I was one of those people who were looking forward to it more than Christmas.

Sharing a Sweet Sound: Why Do I? by Chii

Chii asks, "Why do I cry?"

When not making music for 4TE and REMOTE GIRL☆, it looks like Chii and Alexander are still keeping themselves busy.

If there is one thing the girls in 4TE always excelled at, it is showcasing their individual personalities.

Last 4th of November, Chii released her first solo not under the name of  REMOTE GIRL☆ and it is called, "Why Do I?"

However, it comes a little bit of a surprise. I am so used to to hearing Chii sing in Japanese, that I wasn't prepared for this particular song to be in English.

However when the surprise died down, I was able to fall in love with it as it is. The song was fun --- without it necessarily being a dance tune.

Chii with Cry-kun in MV.
Cry-kun says, "I dance for cookies."

From the very first moment, the whole thing for me is a mix of Caroline Lufkin's song, "Bicycle," in voice and vintage feel  and Sweet Vacation's quirky and fun techno-style.

Chii's world --- might be a bit more surreal though. It is like she decided to add Alice in Wonderland-glasses into the mix. Who doesn't love a trip down the rabbit hole?.

Art from the Heart: BGC Art Mart

Handcrafted Teddy bears
from "My Fabric Projects."

Remember a few months ago I talked about La Pomme, a small shop that sold handcrafted supermarket items? I had loved it for its child-like charm.

It always makes me happy when creativity is expressed.

The Bonifacio Global City (BGC) Art Mart is an event held every few months to give artists and craftsman to showcase talent and sell their wares.

This is what I love about BGC. Every street you go, you really see a work of art.

I saw it advertised on facebook the day before I went, I was lucky to have found it  because they had been cancelling the event for a while because of heavy rain in the area. Worried that it would be my only chance to catch it until the next time they have it at around October or November.

The event is small but it still certainly made me happy, since everyone was so nice. All the artists there were so open to talk to me and tell me about their products. How they are made and what they are made of.

I know they are just trying to sell their products, but still I had a lot of fun talking to them. I'll be sharing a few of my favorite booths.

Beyond the Trailer: Disney Descendants (2015)

Disney Descendants (2015)
(L to R) Carlos, Evie, Mal and Jay

"Ben, the teenaged son of King Beast and Queen Belle, invites the exiled children of defeated villains to attend a prep school with the heroes' children."

The colorful costuming and Villains Vs Heroes (Royals Vs Rebels?) makes me think of Ever After High, the singing makes me think of High School Musical --- and the vapid and vain heroines Vs the quirky and interesting villains? Is like they took a page from the School of Good and Evil.

I knew it was going to be a trainwreck the moment I heard about it. However, out of my love for the original I decided to watch without any biased feelings.

Apparently, I didn't need them. Even without knowing anything about the original movies, it is still a horrible adaptation. It had cute moments, but I personally didn't think they were enough to save the whole film.

The children acted better than the adults. The adults either over-acted or had lukewarm acting. Considering they are playing beloved characters, it was disappointing.

I like Dove Cameron's Mal and Sofia Carson's Evie. But while I think Booboo Stewart is absolutely hot, I am not so certain about his character. He and Carlos got the worst end of the stick when it came to character development. It is a shame since I thought Carlos was a decent actor and cute too.

(L to R) Carlos, Evie, Mal and Ben

This movie has "building potential new franchise" all over it. They even have dolls. Why is Mal's eyes brown though. I could have sworn they were green in the movie.

The dolls were made by Hasbro Toy Co. The company that gave us G.I. Joe and Jem and the Holograms.

Anyone remember Jem and the Holograms? Anyone? I guess not. 

Nummies Sweet Shop : Sweet Tooth Heaven

Nummies Sweet Shop,
Cagayan de Oro City

Nummies Sweet Shop is found along Pabayo St., Cagayan de Oro City. It is the shop with the pale blue picket fence. From the outside, it does look darling. Only slightly questioning the word ice cream written as one word.

Even weeks before I came to this place I had heard good things about it and for me that is very important.

I am a horrible food reviewer though. In Cagayan de Oro, new sweets cafes had been popping up everywhere but I wait to hear what other people think of it first. Since I ate in places I thought were cute on the outside and only to be disappointed with the horrible food before, I have developed a habit of waiting to hear what friends say before visiting for myself. I didn't want to be fooled by the exterior again.

However, it was rated very highly in facebook with an almost perfect score of 4.9. I think that is the first time I've ever seen that high of a score that doesn't have food that costs less than P300.

It was a little weird taking pictures from the outside because I noticed people looking at me weirdly. Not that I blame them. I probably looked suspicious. I could be taking pictures for retcon in order to plan an elaborate heist to steal secret recipes. Or I just look weird, period. I am willing to bet it is the latter.

Sitting Down with Chii (4TE and REMOTE GIRL☆)

Chii
Main Vocalist
4TE and REMOTE GIRL☆

“I can’t believe I’m actually talking to Remote Girl!"

Just that basically sums up how this writer felt during the whole interview with the beautiful and talented brunette from the United States.

Most people are probably asking, “Who is this girl?”, “Who is Lolichiidesu?” and “Why all the excitement over a girl in the internet?”

She is 1/4 of indie group, 4TE, ½ of REMOTE GIRL☆ and Oishii!Project alumni. Her solo channel in Youtube (Lolichiidesu) has almost reached a half a million views and her works with REMOTE GIRL☆ almost reaching a hundred thousand views. Her songs and videos receiving compliments from top performers from Japan. None of these feats very easy to accomplish.

For more information about 4TE, click on this link. 

REMOTE GIRL☆ is a duo composed of Chii and her friend. This duo’s genre leaned more towards Rock. Their most popular cover,“Ninjari Bang Bang” by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has over 62K+ views, and I personally think they are a group worth looking into.

Who doesn’t love a girl with a lot of personality? And Chii certainly has a lot of it. She also quickly caught my eye for her adorable antics in front of the camera, her cute outfits and her strawberry & cream voice.

Now, she is still active making covers, holding fan events for the fans of 4TE and recording with the other members of 4TE for their mini album. 

Between the Pages: Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Cover of "Fangirl."

I initially had no plans on reading this since it didn't seem like my cup of tea. But while shopping for a book that I could read at the airport while waiting for my friend to arrive, he saw the title and jokingly told me, "You should totally read this. This is so you."

While I don't often advertise it, I admit that I am to some degree a fangirl. My brother has suffered many hours listening to me talk about my favorite characters from movies, shows and books. I say "suffered" because majority of the time I am either screaming or squealing.  He's even locked me out of his room a few times and only my tears could get him to open it again.

Though it probably isn't as bad as I am making it sound. According to my brother even that in a scale of 1-10, I only rate as a 4 or 5. That is not so bad, right?

Sharing a Sweet Sound: REMOTE GIRL☆ Discography

REMOTE GIRL☆
(L to R) Jenny, Chii and Alexander

In honor of REMOTE GIRL☆'s latest cover and their surprising change in their lineup, lets go back in time and venture through this group's awesome discography in the time they have been together. A while back, I got the opportunity to talk with one of the founding members of REMOTE GIRL herself, Chii.

Between the Pages: School of Good and Evil #1 by Soman Chainani

Cover of "The School of Good and Evil."

If you guessed that I bought this book because of the pretty cover, you are definitely not wrong. The deceptively innocent cover actually fits its overall theme of not judging a book by its cover. I was lucky this time though, since I did end up enjoying the book.

I grew up watching fairy tales and happily-ever-afters, and have always noticed what is famously known as the Disney formula.

The formula basically goes with a story's characters composed of a beautiful princess, an ugly villain and a rescue by a handsome prince or hero. Basically, the princess is pretty useless. A Disney movie usually has two or all three of these elements in their movies.

This book is a satire of that formula. But not the satire Shrek is. In this story, the most beautiful girl in the village is not the princess and the outcast is not the witch. It is a book that teaches the lesson that good and evil is beyond what is skin deep.

Sharing a Sweet Sound: Crystal Rose's Reflective Dreamer/Echo

While "Crystal Rose" is a new name on the net idol block, they have been around since February of 2013, only under the name of KRP28.

The group uses the AKB48 formula of having a large number of members and having a Senbatsu or a Selection for every single. They will be chosen by their performance in the group.

Currently, the group has over 28 girls from all around the world in their line up and had selected eight girls as the Senbatsu for their fourth single, Reflective Dreamer.

The girls singing the A-side, which is the titular song of the single are: Sahara, Kyoka, Erein, and Haru, While the B-side, named Echo was sang by Hira, Setsuna, Mizuki, and Sadako.